The Elections Commission categorically stated that there was no hidden agenda behind the delay in issuing official results of the Local Government election 2018. 

"It was decided beforehand that the results would be released only Council-wise with the number of seats each party receives," its Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said. 

"Due to some issues in the procedure, the hand-delivered results from polling stations had to be counted again. It's currently being done. Official results will be issued when this process is completed," he added. 

The Commissioner also said in some cases, the postal votes had not been included. "It is currently being corrected," he added. 

He also stated that the Returning Officers were attending to this task.